I’m such a sucker for survival movies. Throw in a dog and I’m seated and crying at the same time. Every single time. Heart of the Beast is no different.
Special Forces veteran James (Brad Pitt) and his retired combat dog Odin are traveling around the Alaska wilderness on a plane. Their baggage includes a tent, fishing poles, cold weather gear, and PTSD from whatever Middle Eastern wars they survived. This solo trip isn’t for hunting. James is only there to see and be part of nature, not kill it. When he has a heart attack while flying his plane and they crash, James and Odin must hike 58 miles through rugged wilderness to find the nearest road. They encounter an angry bear, a hungry pack of wolves, and a river that really doesn’t want them to cross it.
I won’t ruin the ending for you, but I will say that this film is both surprisingly simple in plot and complex in the emotions department. They used several dogs to play Odin and you can tell that Brad Pitt loved spending time with them on set. Really, it’s about a man and his dog and what they both would do for each other in the worst circumstances. Neither will abandon the other even if it means putting their own life at risk. The relationship is truly special, one that only dog owners would fully understand. The bond – especially if you’ve been through a war together – is unbreakable. That’s the real heart of this film.
Director David Ayer made something truly special here, and I’m not just saying that because there is a special place in my heart for survival movies. The bond between James and Odin is so very heartfelt that there is no moment wasted telling this story. The cinematography of the Alaskan wilderness is breathtaking. The score adds to the spectacle. And Brad Pitt is at the top of his acting game. Even the ten minutes that James spends with a fellow traveler (J.K. Simmons) near the beginning of the film is used as a way to get to know our protagonist and funny to boot. This film is going to be top five for me this year.
See this in the theater. It’s beautiful to watch and the story is moving. Bring tissues.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
Discover more from Becky Tyler Art and Photography
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I’m such a sucker for survival movies. Throw in a dog and I’m seated and crying at the same time. Every single time. Heart of the Beast is no different.
Special Forces veteran James (Brad Pitt) and his retired combat dog Odin are traveling around the Alaska wilderness on a plane. Their baggage includes a tent, fishing poles, cold weather gear, and PTSD from whatever Middle Eastern wars they survived. This solo trip isn’t for hunting. James is only there to see and be part of nature, not kill it. When he has a heart attack while flying his plane and they crash, James and Odin must hike 58 miles through rugged wilderness to find the nearest road. They encounter an angry bear, a hungry pack of wolves, and a river that really doesn’t want them to cross it.
I won’t ruin the ending for you, but I will say that this film is both surprisingly simple in plot and complex in the emotions department. They used several dogs to play Odin and you can tell that Brad Pitt loved spending time with them on set. Really, it’s about a man and his dog and what they both would do for each other in the worst circumstances. Neither will abandon the other even if it means putting their own life at risk. The relationship is truly special, one that only dog owners would fully understand. The bond – especially if you’ve been through a war together – is unbreakable. That’s the real heart of this film.
Director David Ayer made something truly special here, and I’m not just saying that because there is a special place in my heart for survival movies. The bond between James and Odin is so very heartfelt that there is no moment wasted telling this story. The cinematography of the Alaskan wilderness is breathtaking. The score adds to the spectacle. And Brad Pitt is at the top of his acting game. Even the ten minutes that James spends with a fellow traveler (J.K. Simmons) near the beginning of the film is used as a way to get to know our protagonist and funny to boot. This film is going to be top five for me this year.
See this in the theater. It’s beautiful to watch and the story is moving. Bring tissues.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
Discover more from Becky Tyler Art and Photography
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
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